A Place for Prayer

Monday Prayer: God is Not A Problem

2012-01-30T00:30:00.000-05:00

God Is Not A Problem

Kilian McDonnell

("A problem is something which I meet, which I find complete before me." Gabriel Marcel, The Mystery of Being)

God is not a problem

I need to solve, not an

algebraic polynomial equation

I find complete before me,

with positive and negative numbers

I can add, subtract, multiply.

God is not a fortress

I can lay siege to and reduce.

God is not a confusion

I can place in order by my logic.

God's boundaries cannot be set,

like marking trees to fell.

God is the presence in which,

I live , where the line between

what is in me and what

before me is real, but only God

can draw it. God is the mystery

I meet on the street, but cannot

lay ahold of from the outside,

for God is my situation,

the condition I cannot stand

beyond, cannot view from a distance,

the presence I cannot make an object,

only enter on my knees.

McDonnell, Kilian. Swift, Lord, You Are Not. Saint John's University Press, Collegeville, MN. 2003. p. 92-93.

Sunday Prayer: Epiphany 4B

2012-01-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

Praise God, give thanks to God with your whole heart!
Great is God's mercy, justice, and faithfulness,
now, and, for ever.

Oh God, help us to be mindful of others that we may
tend to those who are hungry with food and
those who are thirsty may have water.
Use us, Oh God, to help build up the body
of Christ, to be nourishment and
a compassionate hand to those in need.

Holy Divine One, be with those tonight who weep,
those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit,
bring them comfort, as only you can.
Bring them your peace. Turn their despair
into a glimmer of hope, a hope for hope.
In your mercy, tend to those who weep.

God of justice, guide the leaders of this
and every land to the ways of compassion,
dignity of others, and just societies.
Instill in them courage and wisdom
strength to do the right thing
courage to face into the bitterness of greed
and turn their fear or apathy or selfishness
into kindness.

God, Holy One, lead us. Today and always
into the fullness of your desire, into
the depth of grace, into the strong arms
of your mercy. Teach us to be your people.
Teach us to follow you. Teach us to be your
hands, your heart, your love, your compassion,
your mercy, in all we say and do.
Amen.

Know Myself

2012-01-28T09:28:00.000-05:00

I thank you, Lord, for knowing me

better than I know myself,

and for letting me know myself

better than others know me.

Make me, I ask you then,

better than they suppose,

and forgive me for what they do not know.

attributed to Abu Bakr (573-634), father-in-law of the prophet Muhammad and first caliph.

In Beauty May I Walk

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

In beauty may I walk.
All day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk.

Beautifully will I possess again.
Beautifully birds . . .
Beautifully joyful birds

On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk.
With dew about my feet may I walk.

With beauty may I walk.
With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty below me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.

It is finished in beauty.
It is finished in beauty.

A Navajo Indian Prayer of the Second Day of the Night Chant (anonymous)

Found here.

Wednesday Prayer: Breaking Down

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Breakdown

I was terrified I'd break down.
I did.
It didn't matter.
-Rosalind M. Baker

Thank you dear God,
that when I break down,
I land on you.
When I break up,
You hold my pieces.
When I am broken,
Worn out,
Confused,
Tired,
Bewildered,
Your presence surrounds me silently.
And we wait together in that silence,
for wholeness to begin growing.
Amen.

Tuesday....

2012-01-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

As I go through my to-do list,
I am sitting in my office listening to the pre-school children
singing with a guitar/music leader.
"Twinkle twinkle little star....
Here we go loopedy lou,
Here we go loopedy lie...
The itsy bitsy spider...
B-I-NGO!..."

This is Your voice singing to me this morning.
In the shrieks and melodies and the laughter and silly sounds
of children all around me.

Sing to me, dear One,
sing to my heart, my soul,
Fill me with Your Song
that I might sing it to your world,
with all that sings in creation.
Amen

Monday Prayer

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Cradling God, it is another week and I am tired. Even in times of rejoicing, the cycle of living creates wear and tear on my body... mind... soul. In your loving arms, rock me gently and set me down with grace into this week.

Nurturing God, the season of Epiphany goes on and I still long for yet more inspiration. You have set before me a marvelous creation full of plants, animals, and people that reflect your love. Spoon into my heart the food for which my spirit longs... the sustenance of my faith... your daily presence.

Restoring God, I believe your kin-dom is at hand. Forgive, I ask, my unbelief. Continue your work, still on-going, which brings the world ever closer to the possibility with which you have instilled it. Bring forth the kind of healing that only a Creator and Lover can bestow.

Merciful God, you have already lived this Monday many times. Be with me in my one experience of this day. Send your Spirit to guide me, follow me and lead. Help me to see and to believe that there is nothing this day holds that is without your touch.

Amen.

Sunday Prayer: Epiphany 3B

2012-01-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

In the still small voice of the rain,
in the wind of the sea, and the warmth of sun
in the deep of night and the heart of day
when we least anticipate it, God calls.

Surely God is always near, right here,
Or, over there.
Surely there are times we know not where.
But surely there are occasions when we turn
When we go regardless, and follow Jesus
Down the unsuspecting twisting road
When we walk with God
because
God walks with us.

In these moments, when we are certain we are lost
When God beckons us and then waits until we turn
To see, to feel, to know, to recognize
God with us.
When sorrow catches a glimpse of hope
When suffering is wrapped in mercy
When despair is held in grace and love
When God is God and there is peace
Peace in our hearts, for that moment
Let us pray.

Breathtaking Presence

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

With more awareness we may discover
that small gaps in our daily round
can be places of silence. These are the found times
or rather the moments in which we ourselves are found.

Mostly they come when we are waiting:
in the doctor's office, on the telephone,
in traffic jams and the checkout line.

In just those moments we have an opportunity
to turn our attention to our physical being,
to the rhythm of our breath,
to the texture and feel of things around us.

By noticing particulars we can also begin
to notice the space in which they are held. . .
the vastness that holds everything--
the great lap of silence.

These waiting moments in our daily round
can turn out to be treasures. We can allow them
to support us instead of distracting us
or blocking us.

Here in each day is a wealth of time
we can take advantage of. They are breath breaks.
If we learn to rest and renew in them
our lives will go from disconnection and haste
to breathtaking presence.

~~Gunilla Norris

Norris, Gunila. Inviting Silence: Universal Principles of Meditation. Blue Bridge: NY, 2004. 21-22.

Wednesday Prayer

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Just a lovely song....

Tuesday Prayer....

2012-01-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

So, today...here is your Tuesday Meme....

1. Pray three gratitudes....
2. Ask for guidance for something that is niggling you
3. Pray for a frenemy (my least favorite, but hey, it's important)
4. Take a minute and just do Spirit breath prayers...breathe in and out.
5. Be silent.
6. Know that God is with you, every moment.

Love and blessings to you....

Sunday Prayer: Epiphany 2B

2012-01-15T01:00:00.001-05:00

Holy God, may we hear your voice
In the stillness of night, in clatter of day
You call us, and we respond,
Here I am!
May we follow you and
May we love as you love.

Holy One, through trials and turbulence
Make us steady, your hands
Holding strong the fragile and weak
May we love as you love.

Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives
be food for the hungry, bread
clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word
May we love as you love.

God of justice, remove the barriers
Of our lives that keep us from
One another, barriers we construct
Based on skin color, religion, or gender
May we hear, and follow, graciously.
May we love as you love.

Loving God, take this day our fears our
Worries, distractions, and all
Turn them into grace and mercy,
And, following the example of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and all your Saints,
May we love as you love.

Amen

We Praise You

2012-01-14T11:03:00.002-05:00

We praise You, Lord, that You searched for us in Your humility.

We praise You, Lord, that You kept us in Your mercy.

We praise You, Lord, that You adored us in Your humiliation.

We praise You, Lord, that You provided for us in Your generosity.

We praise You, Lord, that You watched over us with Your strength.

We praise You, Lord, that You made us good with Your goodness.

We praise You, Lord, that You taught us in Your intimacy.

We praise You, Lord, that You lifted us up in Your love.

Mechthild of Magdeburg, "The Flowing Light of the Godhead"

Thursday Prayer

2012-01-12T07:00:00.004-05:00

O, Begin!

Fix some part of every day for private exercises. . . .

Whether you like it or no, read and pray daily.

It is for your life; there is no other way:

else you will be trifler all your days. . . .

Do justice to your own soul;

give it time and means to grow.

Do not starve yourself any longer.

John Wesley

Wednesday Prayer

2012-01-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Sun Never Says

Even

after

all this time,

the sun never says to the earth,

"You owe me."

Look

what happens with a love like that--

it lights the whole

world.

-Hafiz

A Tuesday Prayer Meme

2012-01-10T06:53:00.000-05:00

(actually, I am not sure what a meme is, but it sounds good....)

Take a couple of moments, and just breathe centering breaths....
And then,

1. Give thanks for something you are looking forward to....
2. Offer a prayer for a colleague whom you know needs prayer
3. Pray for yourself...
4. Pray for someone who really 'bugs' you (like a frenemy)
5. Pray for a place in the world for which you have concern...
6. Offer a blessing
7. Breathe a few more centering/cleansing breathes.....
8. Be silent
9. Listen
10. Be silent
11. Amen

Sunday Prayer: Baptism of Jesus/Epiphany

2012-01-08T01:00:00.003-05:00

Holy and Gracious God, speaking into our lives
The voice of the LORD is glory and strength,
The voice of the Lord is holy splendor, full of majesty,
May we hear, deeply, may You sound-through us
May we be your body, hands, feet, heart
Reaching out to others may we extend your love.

Creator God, stir us, we pray
For the voice of the Lord speaks into our lives.
May the LORD bless God’s people with peace
May the LORD give strength to God’s people!
That we may care for the broken,
Hungry, needy, sick, bereaved,

Creator God, whisper to us in the silence
For you, God, called the light Day,
and the darkness You called Night.
You named all creation.
Baptized by the Spirit,
May we quietly hear you and
Gently follow. Inbreaking God
Shout us out of our illusions.

God of mercy, lead our leaders
Nations, cities, houses of worship,
Houses of people, lead all with mercy
That we, all, may be merciful as you.

God of compassion, through your Holy Spirit
Forgive us, redeem us, restore us, teach us, fill us.

Incarnate God, divine and human
Body and spirit, us and you
Baptized in the Spirit,
Ascribe to us, your compassion,
That we may be your voice, your heart, your hands
This day and every day.
Amen.

A Thought on Preparing for Prayer

2012-01-06T02:00:00.002-05:00

While I think there is a place (perhaps a big place) for prayers that are flung God-ward in haste born of need or emotion or...I found this thought provoking. What do you think?

From the Letters of Bishop Theophan the Recluse

Preparing For Prayer

All of us have this little sin hanging about us...we do not prepare for prayer. We take up prayer with flighty thoughts, willy-nilly, and rush to get it over with, as if it were an incidental, though unavoidable, bother—and not the center of our life, as it should be. Without preparation, how can there be a gathering of thought and feeling in prayer? Without preparation, prayer proceeds shakily instead of firmly. No, you must determine to deny yourself this little sin and under no circumstance allow yourself to come to prayer with your heart and mind unprepared, your thoughts and feelings scattered in a dozen directions. Such a careless attitude toward prayer is a crime... Consider prayer the central labor of your life and hold it in the center of your heart. Address it in its rightful role, not as a secondary function!

Do not look back

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do not look back, my friend
no one knows how the world ever began.
Do not fear the future, nothing lasts forever.
If you dwell on the past or the future
you will miss the moment.

~~Rumi

Wednesday Prayer

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Lesson
God is spirit,
and those who worship
Must worship in spirit and in truth. (Jn 4:24)

The Assurance
I am Present. (Ex 3:14)

From: A Prayer Book for the 21st Century by John McQuiston II

whew! a prayer for getting back into it.....

2012-01-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Dear God...
It's January.
The holidays are over--which were very nice, thank you.
Now I am facing the pile of stuff I didn't get to and need to get to, besides the new things on my list, which still needs to be made.

It's feeling a tad bit overwhelming.

So please...
in the chaos of the moment,
bring me back to
the still silent night,
the mystery of You.With.Us.
and remind me...
that everything will get done,
everything will be,
in it's own time.

Amen.

Sunday Prayer: Christmas I/Holy Name/New Years Day

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas I
Gracious God,
God of light,
God of life,
God of all that is

You come to us
in the darkness
of the night
and call us by name

Give us, we pray
the grace
to hear you -
the hope
to see you -
the love
needed
to mend
a broken world.

Help us
to be your
hands -
your
heart
your hope.

Be with us, we pray
with those
who suffer,
with those
who weep,
with those
dying
this night/day
and give us, we pray
your peace.
Amen.

Thursday Thought

2011-12-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

Prayer for Christmas Day on Sunday

2011-12-24T22:34:00.001-05:00

God,

Your light has come into our world to shine brightly in our darkness.

We rejoice in your light, we are so glad because with the light you have set us free.

In fact we know and celebrate that even to this day the darkness has not overcome it.

It is through the birth of your son that your light entered into the world

and we too want to be children of light.

We are grateful for the birth of your son

who has become known as the wonderful counselor.

Our governments need him as their wise counselor

because they have often become stalemated with each other.

Our churches need him as their ideal counselor,

because they are at a loss as how to deal with our culture

that sees the church as irrelevant.

Our families need him as their counselor

because they struggle with how to be a healthy family in this day and age.

We as individuals need him as our sage counselor

to help us in how to live as your children of the light.

And we are grateful for the birth of your son who has become known as Mighty God.

We need a Mighty God to establish justice in this often unjust world.

We need a Mighty God to bring about righteousness in a world

that is often anything but righteous.

We need a great big God to believe in when it appears there is so little to believe in.

We need a strong God when we feel so small, so weak and so puny.

We are grateful for the birth of your son who has become known as Everlasting Father.

We need the everlasting father for those who are fatherless, for those who have been abandoned by their fathers, and for those who don’t have good fathers.

We need the everlasting father for his love and his mercies for all of us.

We need the everlasting father for guidance, leadership, firmness yet gentleness.

We need the father who lives forever that we get to live with forever.

We are grateful for the birth of your son who has become known as Prince of Peace.

We need a Prince of Peace in a world that is always at war with one another.

We need a Prince of Peace to help us navigate the conflicts of relationship

we often meet in life.

We need a Prince of Peace to calm and sooth our hearts, our minds, and our souls.

We need a Price of Peace to establish his Kingdom of peace in our lives forever.

Lord what a wonderful gift you have given us in your son Jesus who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We thank you for this gift today and everyday.

Amen

Merry Christmas

cross posted at revgalblogpals

A Prayer on Dec. 23rd

2011-12-23T14:48:00.003-05:00

Almighty God,

Now that the celebration of the birthday of Your Son

as part of humankind is drawing near,

we pray that Your eternal Word,
who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary,
and came to dwell among ordinary people,
will show many men and women and boys and girls,
the greatness of His love and mercy,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

We pray that we may be part of that revelation to this world in whatever way we are able.

Amen

Thursday Prayer

2011-12-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

Winter God, in the darkest time of year
you brought in starlight, angel song, and baby cries.
Stay with me as I journey to new birth
and celebrate this year of saints, psalms, and prayer.
In the silence and stillness,
fashion my prayer into a carol of praise
and focus my life
so that I may act as a herald of Christ
the child of peace and the prophet of justice.
Amen.

Wednesday Prayer

2011-12-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

Every day is a god, each day is a god,
and holiness holds forth in time.
I worship each god,
I praise each day splintered down,
and wrapped in time like a husk,
a husk of many colors spreading,
at dawn fast over the mountins split.

-Annie Dillard

peaceful, beautiful Winter Solstice to you!

Tuesday Prayer

2011-12-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Children will see it first--
Their sharp eyes and keen hearts
Fixed on a peaceful future.

Youngsters will recognize it unaided--
The earth flowing with milk and honey
Governments cooperating to make sure all are fed.

The little ones of every land--
Gather to grow into the vision.
We who chart the future can only dream.

Let it begin now and let it last long--
-Mary E. Hunt

Prayer for Advent 4B

2011-12-17T22:56:00.001-05:00

God of Advent,

We are so close to Christmas Day, that

We can see your light shining in the dark

As we come closer and closer.

And as we draw nearer we find ourselves

tempted by all the busyness

Of the holidays to lose our focus on you.

Help us o Lord to keep our eyes on you.

God of Advent,

We have been waiting for what seems like a long time

For that special day to celebrate the birth of your son.

We have waited with hopeful hearts.

We have waited with longing for your peace.

We have waited with a desire for your joy.

And now we wait with a yearning for your love to be born in us again.

God of Advent,

When your steadfast love is birthed in us we will sing of you

And your love forever and ever.

When we are anointed by your love,

we will open our hearts and hands to the lonely, the needy,

the sorrowful, and those who are hurting.

We pray that we are able to share your love with all we meet.

God of Advent,

We pray that we are able to say yes to you when you call.

We pray that we are able to say “Here I am to you Lord.”

We pray that we can be your servants.

We pray that we can say as Mary said so long ago,

“Let it be with me according to your word.”

May all that we are glorify you, and may we rejoice in you

For you are our God, You are the rock of our salvation.

Yes, all our praise and love is focused through Jesus

On you o God.

Amen

cross posted on revgalblogpals

Saturday: turning

2011-12-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Our World

2011-12-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

Tried several times to post a prayer and blogger wasn't cooperating. Maybe 'twasn't meant to be. ;-) I'll share one of my favorite newer Christmas songs instead. Praying for each of you to be blessed this season.

Thursday Thought

2011-12-15T12:19:00.002-05:00

"Our faith is a light, the kindly gift of that endless day which is our Father, God. By this light our Mother Christ, and our good Lord the Holy Spirit lead us in this fleeting life. (God says:) 'I shall love you, and you love me, and our love shall never be broken.'"

~~Julian of Norwich

An Ordinary Miracle: Wednesday Prayer

2011-12-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

I need this song today.
I hope it sings to you, too.

Tuesday Prayer

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Life-giver,

Where I am,

You are.

What I feel,

You feel.

What I think,

You think.

So transparent is my unity with you

That my eye and your eye

Are one eye and one seeing

And one knowing and on loving.

In awe I confess:

That what I do,

You do.

Assist me this day to be worthy

of You.

Amen

-John McQuiston II, A Prayer Book for the 21st Century

Prayer for Advent 3B

2011-12-10T23:09:00.002-05:00

God of Advent,

Pour your Holy Spirit on us as you did so long ago,

So that we may be bearers of your good news to those who are oppressed.

Anoint us with your spirit of hope so that we may heal the broken hearted.

Put your spirit of justice in our hearts so that we may declare liberty to the captives.

Bring forth your love so that we may pardon the prisoners.

God of Advent,

Make this be the day of the Lord when all who mourn are comforted.

Make this be the day when those who are grieving are strengthened.

Make this be the day when those who are in despair rise from their ashes.

Make this be the day where your glory is shown all around.

God of Advent,

Heal and restore our lands where there has been devastation.

Bring peace and reconciliation where there has been wars and fighting.

Reestablish those who have been jobless for too long.

Bring forth your salvation to all.

God of Advent,

May we be like Mary, Praising your name, singing your song from the depths of our souls.

May we spread your good news all around us for all to hear.

May we let people know how much we love you.

May we declare your good works in our lives forever.

Amen

Saturday: the promise of joy

2011-12-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

"Love, I love You because You're full of joy! You're a Mother nourishing the kindness in us as if we are children at Your breast (and we are). You're rich beyond anything I can ever imagine. You're so rich that the soul clothed in You can never be poor. You share Your every gift with us and even give our souls Your beauty because You make us one with You. St. John tells us that God is love, and anyone who lives in love lives and God, and God in them."

~~Catherine of Siena, Letters~~

Winter Prayer

2011-12-09T13:19:00.007-05:00

Dear Lord,
just help me keep my life,

As pure and white as snow,

That on a clear, cold winter day,

Brings beauty here below.

Dear Lord,
just let me seek the light,

Your Warmth, Your Love, Your Grace,

As here below we seek the warmth,
Of a winter fireplace.

Dear Lord,
just help me strive to do,
The things You need of me.
I Thank You Lord, for in this way,
My Soul, like flakes, is Free.

E.H. Coe

Thursday Thought on Waiting

2011-12-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

“How do we wait for God? We wait with patience. But patience does not mean passivity. Waiting patiently is not like waiting for the bus to come, the rain to stop, or the sun to rise. It is an active waiting in which we live the present moment to the full in order to find there the signs of the One we are waiting for.

“The word patience comes from the Latin verb patior, which means to ‘suffer.’ Waiting patiently is suffering through the present moment, tasting it to the full, and letting the seeds that are sown in the ground on which we stand grow into strong plants. Waiting patiently always means paying attention to what is happening right before our eyes and seeing there the first rays of God’s glorious coming.”

~~Henri J. M. Nouwen

Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; it is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:25-26

a Wednesday prayer....

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

..today,
a little prayer exercise....

for every person, in the next hour, you encounter, whether it is online, reading a blog, facebooking, or in person, stop...
and give them a blessing.

I will go first.
Bless YOU!

A Tuesday Prayer...

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Take time to listen to the birds,
the waves,
the wind.

Take time to breathe in the air,
the earth,
the ocean,
[or snow. ]

Take time to be still,
to be silent,
to allow God to fill you up
with deep peace and love.

Maired Maguire
Recipient Nobel Peace Prize,
Community of the Peace People, Ireland

Prayer for Advent 2B

2011-12-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

God of Advent

We come crying out for all, comfort your people.

Make a path for your people that they can find their way.

Speak tenderly to all whose hearts are wounded.

Bring calmness to all who fear.

Be our Shepherd Lord and carry us as one would carry a lamb.

Feed our hunger Lord.

God of Advent

Show us your mercy and favor.

Forgive us our ways when we turn away from you.

And put your peace into our hearts as we turn back to you

Pour your steadfast love over as like a gentle rain.

Breath your righteousness into our souls.

Make us faithful as we wait.

God of Advent

We do wait for your son to come

We wait for the new heavens and the new earth.

We wait in your peace, your patience and your salvation.

And so we pray come Lord Jesus, come.

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Saturday: best friends

2011-12-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

"The soul that has devoted itself to God journeys along a rarely traveled path that soars. The soul that loves God guides a person's senses just like someone with sight will guide a friend who's blind.

"On this path of love the soul experiences true freedom because it lives without inner suffering. How so? Because the soul wants nothing but whatever it is the Lord wants.

"The soul that has God as its best friend trusts God, because the soul knows that God always organizes everything for the best."

~~Mecthild of Magdeburg, The Flowing Light of the Godhead~~

Heading into December

2011-12-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

Here we are, Lord, marching headlong into Advent and Christmas. It's a busy time for Rev Gals and Pals. For some it is a sad time as well. Some of us struggle with depression and loss and disappointment, even as we seek to help others through these things. Some of us have lost loved ones, or are unsure of our future places of service. Some are facing dangerous wind, storms on the way...and...well...God, you know. We ask today for you. Just YOU. You in our thoughts, our conversation, our facial expressions, our hands and our feet and our spirits and our lives. Be near, we pray, Spirit of God. "Have our backs" as we often say to one another. Be with us and in us and work through us as we prepare ways to share the Good News this season. And help us to find our own moment of wonder in these coming days. We do believe, and we do rejoice...sometimes in spite of things.

Thursday Prayer

2011-12-01T09:16:00.001-05:00

God of comfort, wrap me securely in your nurturing arms.

Let me be your voice, your heart,

your loving touch to someone who needs a word of grace, a voice of hope,

a loving hug during these sometimes difficult Advent days.

Amen.

~~Beth A. Richardson

The Uncluttered Heart

Storyteller

2011-11-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

O storyteller,
you sit me down
and fill me with tears
and love
and laughter.

Come into my life,
and tell your story
through me.

Ruth Burgess, in 50 Great Prayers from the Iona Community

Our Father

2011-11-29T15:46:00.000-05:00

Our Father
who art also our Mother,
our Brother,
our Sister,
our Lover,
our Friend.
Thank you for being who you are
and who you will be,
world without end.
Amen

-Ruth Burgess, in 50 Great Prayers from the Iona Community

Sunday Prayer: Advent 1B

2011-11-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

Let us give thanks to God, Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, for all the gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea,
Creator God, we thank you.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Emmanuel, God-with-us,
Gracious God, we thank you.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
Gracious God, we thank you.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
Gracious God, we thank you.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
Gracious God, we thank you.

Sustain the brave and the courageous and comfort those who suffer and face adversity,
Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Guide those who seek to do justice and walk humbly with you,
Gracious God, hear our prayer.

For those who have gone before us, for those who weep this night, and for the dying,
Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Above all, we give you thanks for the promise of your love, born in human form, who comes to us anew,
Gracious God, we give you thanks. Amen.

Saturday: contradictory love

2011-11-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

"God's endless love contradicts the world and upsets all its pretentious meanings. The world seeks glory, honor, pleasure, pride, freedom from suffering, greed, hatred, resentment, and such small-hearted self-centeredness that no room is left for loving others for God's sake.
"But the God-Man chose utter poverty, insults, torment, ridicule, hunger, and thirst. Jesus scorned human glory and honor, always wanting the Father's glory and our salvation. Jesus persevered in true and perfect patience. There was no pride in Jesus, only a balanced humility."

~~Catherine of Siena, "Letters"~~

We are thanking the Lord

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Matins

Now we are awake
and now we are come together
and now we are thanking the Lord.

This is easy,
for the Lord is everywhere.

He is in the water and the air,
He is in the very walls.

He is around us and in us.
He is the floor on which we kneel.

We make our songs for him
as sweet as we can

for his goodness,
and, lo, he steps into the song

and out of it, having blessed it,
having recognized our intention,
having awakened us, who thought we were awake,
a second time,
having married us in the air and water,

having lifted us in intensity,
having lowered us in beautiful amiability,

having given us
each other,
and the weeds, dogs, cities, boats, dreams
that are the world.

What Do We Know: Poems and Prose Poems by Mary Oliver

Wednesday Prayer: Pre-Holiday

2011-11-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

Oh dear sweet Jesus,
the holiday blitz in on,
even before I relish the day upon which to be thankful.

That crazy blonde lady Target ad,
who drools over the Black Friday flier, and works out in her pumps to get ready for the big shopping extravaganza (have you seen that commercial?)--it makes my stomach sick.
Even the UCC online store has a 25 Days of Shopping Specials, and each day I get an email highlighting the deal of the day. Really? UCC? That is sinful.
Now don't get me wrong,
I like me some UCC bling and I have had a love affair with Target since I was about 12,
but to overload
on the shopping commercials...
it's too much right now.
It's too much.

Oh dear sweet Jesus,
Forgive us,
forgive me.
Help me offer your peace, your hope, your quiet redeeming grace
in the midst of all the lights and glitter and show.

Amen.

Tuesday Prayer: Appalling Sacrifice

2011-11-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

Fearful God,

you require of our love

appalling sacrifice;

and your lasting promise

is contained in contradiction.

May we so lay on your altar

our dearest desires

that we may receive them back from you

as unaccountable gift,

through Jesus Christ, Amen.

-Janet Morely, in All Desires Known

Sunday Prayer: Reign of Christ, Christ the King, Last Sunday after Pentecost

2011-11-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

Holy God, holy and gracious one
Fill us with a Spirit of Wisdom
Feed us with your justice,
Nurture us with your mercy and grace.

We pray for those who are struggling from
Famine, war, drought, and other causes of hunger,
That deplete humanity, and all the world
Of the bounty of your creation.
Help us God to fed as you do.

In thanksgiving for all the gifts of this life
May we give to those who, for whatever reason
Suffer for lack of food.

Holy God, holy and gracious one
Fill us with a Spirit of Wisdom
Feed us with your justice,
Nurture us with your mercy and grace.

Holy God, help us to see those who suffer
For want of clothing, warmth, safety, shelter,
Help us God, to care as you do.

In thanksgiving for all the gifts of this life
May we tend to those who, for whatever reason
Suffer for lack of clothing and housing.

Holy God, holy and gracious one
Fill us with a Spirit of Wisdom
Feed us with your justice,
Nurture us with your mercy and grace.

Holy God, seeker of the lost,
Help us to find you, see you, know you.

Holy God, bind up the injured,
these we carry in our hearts,
Those in need of your healing.
And, help us to be your hands,
Your compassion, your healing
Love, in all we do.

Holy God, holy and gracious one
Fill us with a Spirit of Wisdom
Feed us with your justice,
Nurture us with your mercy and grace.
Amen.

The Blessedness of Winter

2011-11-18T13:07:00.001-05:00

I live in one of the coldest places in the USA, and I can't say I enjoy the prospect of winter approaching. Yesterday my family and I raked up the last of the leaves from our yard (12 trees!) and I commented how sad it was to see our beautiful maples looking so stark. This morning I read the following little devotion and prayer. It is from Richard Foster's book, Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home.

As winter approaches each year, I like to watch our large maple in the backyard begin to lose its covering of summer green and take on a funeral brown. As the leaves drop, one by one all the irregularities of the tree are exposed. The imperfections were always there,k of course, but they have been hidden from my view by an emerald blanket. Now however, the tree is denuded and desolate and I can see his real condition.

Winter preserves and strengthens a tree. Rather than expending its strength on the exterior surface, its sap is forced deeper and deeper into its interior depth. In winter, a tougher and more resiliant life is firmly established. Winter is necessary for the tree to survive and flourish.

Instantly you see the application. Too often we hde our true condition with surgace virtues of pious activity, but once the leaves of our frantic pace drop away, the transforming power of a wintery spirituality can have effect.

To the outward eye, everything looks barren and unsightly. Our many deficits , flaws and imperfections stand out in bold relief. But only the outward virtues are collapsing....the soul is returning to the interior. Real, solid, enduring virtues begin to develop. Pure love can be birthed.

Dear Lord Jesus,

In my better moments, I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments....Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you, may I be found by you. I love you, Lord. Amen

Richard Foster

A Wednesday prayer....

2011-11-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

They Shall Teach Thee
But ask now the beasts,
and they shall teach thee;
and the fowls of the air,
and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth,
and it shall teach thee:
and the fishes of the sea
shall declare unto thee.
-Job 12:7-8

I Will Always Remember: a blessing

2011-11-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

I will always remember

the olive-eyed tabby who

taught me that not all

relationships are meant to

last a lifetime. Sometimes

just an hour is enough to

touch your heart.

-Barbara Diamond

Sunday Prayer: Proper 28A, Pentecost 22

2011-11-13T01:00:00.002-05:00

O God of
all,
God who hears
the cries of those in need
the cries of children, hurt, abused, abandoned, robbed of innocence,
may you O God, be in those cries, and offer solace
and may we be brave. May we not hide away
and perpetuate the hurt by doing nothing.
May we be your hands that touch gently, in true compassion, mindful
Of the sweetness of a child. O God, help us.

O God of
all,
God who hears the cries of those in despair
The cries of women, abused, ignored, blamed as if they caused the hurt,
May you, O God, be in those cries and offer solace
And may we be brace. May we not hide away
Or ignore, or blame the victim, or just stand by doing nothing.
May we be your voice, speaking up for justice, mindful
That one voice will lead to two voices, to a choir. O God, help us.

O God of
all,
God who hears the silence of those who turn away,
Who bury what they have seen, who ignore what they have done,
May you, O God, be in the silence, and offer words
And may we hear deeply into our lives, your call
For us to rise, united, a people who will not stand for
Abuse, violence, harm of any one, harm of any creature
May we be your compassion, the means through which
Your care speaks into the world. O God, help us.

O God of
all,
be with those who are ill, may they find wholeness.
Be with those who weep or worry or cannot sleep
Tend to the fears, remind us that the night,
The darkness, is also the place of life, the womb,
Where love begins.

Tend to the weary, bless
The dying, soothe the afflicted.

Call us
in all we do
to rise up
in love
speak out
in compassion
to be signs of
your love
healing the
broken places
with your mercy.
Amen.

An Evening Prayer

2011-11-11T17:48:00.002-05:00

Thursday Prayer

2011-11-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

When I hurt, I sometimes feel that you have left me.

I share the hurt of those first disciples when Jesus left them

But now I know your absence can become a new space for your presence. Amen.

~~Richard L. Morgan

Ed. Rene O. Bideaux. A Book of Personal Prayer. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1997. 56.

Riverside....Lay Down Your Burdens

2011-11-09T08:27:00.001-05:00

I can't figure out how to embed the track for this song, but it is so worth listening to for the prayer for today,
so, here is the link:
Riverside
When you get there, just push the big play button underneath the title of the album. Sink into the song.
Blessed Wednesday to you.

Lay down your burdens,
and know that they are being held for you.
amen.

Tuesday Prayer: A Sifter of Dust

2011-11-08T07:51:00.000-05:00

A Sifter of Dust
Suppose you know the definitions
of all substances and their products,
what good is this to you?
Know the true definition of yourself.
That is essential.
Then, when you know your own definition, flee from it,
that you may attain to the One who cannot be defined,
O sifter of the dust.
-The Rumi Collection, edited by Kabir Helminski

Sunday Prayer: All Saints' Day

2011-11-06T02:00:00.002-05:00

Holy One, Creator of all
To You, we give thanks
For every blessing, for You
Are generous, O lover of souls.

Form within us,
Wisdom,
Sustained and nurtured by your
Holy Spirit
That we might,
have the grace to listen
deeply
and respond with compassion

May we be filled with gratitude
For every gift of life,
For family, friends,
And the Saints who have gone before us.

From those who are peacemakers,
May we learn, and follow their example
From those who are pure in heart
May we become likewise, Christ-like.

Holy One, Creator of all
To You, we give thanks
For every blessing, for You
Are generous, O lover of souls.

For those who suffer, we ask for comfort
For those who are ill, we ask for healing
For those who struggle, we ask for peace
For those who worry, we ask for guidance
For those who are anxious, we ask for solace
For those who are hungry, may we give food
For those who are homeless, may we provide shelter
For those who are poor, may we bring sustenance
For all the worries and cares of this earth,
May we be your heart and hands
May we be generous as You.

Holy One, Creator of all
To You we give thanks for every blessing,
for You are generous, O lover of all.
God of every nation, tribe, people, and language,
God of all creation, this great multitude of life
We give you thanks.

Bless us, that we may be a blessing in return.
Amen.

Thursday Prayer

2011-11-03T07:00:00.003-04:00

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for not abandoning me when I abandoned you.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for offering your hand of love in my darkest, most lonely moment.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for loving me more than I love myself.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for continuing to pour your blessings upon me, even though I respond so poorly.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for drawing out the goodness in all people, even including me.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for repaying our sin with your love.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for being constant and unchanging, amidst all the changes of the world.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for your countless blessings on me and on all your creatures.

~~Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Ed. Lyn Klug. Soul Weavings: A Gathering of Women's Prayers. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1996. 17.

a belated Wednesday prayer

2011-11-02T16:15:00.001-04:00

It is our quiet time.
We do not speak, because the voices are within us.
It is our quiet time.
We do not walk, because the earth is all within us.
It is our quiet time.
We do not dance, because the music has lifted us to a place where the spirit is.
It is our quiet time.
We rest with all of nature. We wake when the seven sisters wake.
We greet them in the sky over the opening of the kiva.
-Nancy Wood, in Earth Prayers

For All The Saints....

2011-11-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

For all the saints in our lives,
We give you thanks, O God....

For our friend saints,
and author saints,
for our sister saints and brother saints,
for our furry saints,
and mentor saints....
for our blogging saints
and our funny saints,
for our wise saints...
saints we know,
saints that simply surround us,
O holy One...
We give you thanks, this day.
Amen.

Prayer for Reformation Sunday

2011-10-29T22:02:00.000-04:00

Here we stand, Lord,
The people you have redeemed.
Here we stand, Lord,
giving thanks to you for you are good.
We give thanks that your love lasts forever.
We thank you that you free those who are oppressed.

Here we stand knowing that it is you
We all can cry out to for help in times of trouble.
We know that you will not only deliver us but
That you will lead our way to where we need to go.

Here we stand by the living water
That you set flowing for all.
We drink freely from your waters
That gratifies everyone who is thirsty.
And we thank you that you also
Give plenty to eat for those who are hungry.

Here we stand with those who reformed the church so long ago
And with those who still are reforming the church today.
Here we stand witnesses to your good news for all.
Here we stand your servants, your followers, your children.

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Saturday: the ground of fruitful vision

2011-10-29T07:06:00.000-04:00

O cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration,

Soften the ground of our being and carve out
a space within us where your Presence can abide.

Fill us with your creativity

so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of your mission.
Let each of our actions bear fruit in accordance with your desire.

Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share

what each being needs to grow and flourish.
Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind us,

as we release others from the entanglement of past mistakes.

Do not let us be seduced by that which would divert us from our true purpose,

but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.

For you are the ground and the fruitful vision,

the birth, power and fulfillment,

as all is gathered and made whole once again.

a paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer, printed in this month's newsletter from my local hospital's spiritual care office.

A Simple Prayer of Thanks

2011-10-28T11:10:00.000-04:00

O God, I thank You for this day of life

for eyes to see the sky
for ears to hear the birds
for feet to walk amidst the trees
for hands to pick the flowers from the earth
for a sense of smell to breathe in the sweet
perfumes of nature
for a mind to think about and appreciate
the magic of everyday miracles
for a spirit to swell in joy at Your mighty presence
everywhere.

Marian Wright Edelman

Thursday Prayer

2011-10-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours to share in the loving, healing, reconciling mission of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, in this age and wherever we are. Since without you we can do no good thing.

May your Spirit make us wise;
May your Spirit guide us;
May your Spirit renew us;
May your Spirit strengthen us;

So that we will be:

Strong in faith,
Discerning in proclamation,
Courageous in witness,
Persistent in good deeds.

This we ask through the name of the Father.

~~Church of the Province of the West Indies

Tutu, Desmond. An African Prayer Book. NY: Doubleday, 1995. 103.

Wednesday Prayer

2011-10-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

EXPANDS HER BEING

All beings

are words of God,

Her music, Her art.

Sacred books we are, for the infinite camps

in our

souls.

Every act reveals God and expands God’s Being.

I know that may be hard

to comprehend.

All creatures are doing their best

to help God in the Birth

of Godself.

Enough talk for the night.

She is laboring in me;

I need to be silent

for a while,

worlds are forming

in my heart.

-Meister Eckhart, (1260-1328)

German mystic

Tuesday Prayer....

2011-10-25T10:02:00.000-04:00

The School of Love
My Love, my God,
the only way to make progress here
is to follow you totally
and love you unceasingly.
Let me not be left behind in the school of your love...
but in you and through you and with you,
let me progress day by day from strength to strength
and so bear fruit for you, my Love
in the new vineyard of your love.

-Gertrude the Great, in The Heart of Love: Prayers of German Women Mystics, trans. Brian Pickett

Prayer for Proper 25A/Ordinary 30A/Pentecost +19

2011-10-23T07:21:00.000-04:00

Lord,
You are the one we turn to time and time again
No matter what goes on in our lives.
You are our sanctuary when times are rough.
You are our encourager when we feel discouraged.
You are our God who loves us even when we feel unloved.
You are our host who welcomes us when we feel tired and weary.
You are our nurturer when we need to be taught how to live as your children.
And we are your children, who seek to know you more deeply in our lives.
We are your followers who seek to live as you would want us to live.
We are your servants in a world that has so many great needs.
We are who others look at to see how one lives when they say they believe.
And we come back home to you daily seeking that warmth, that love, that encouragement,
Your hospitality and love makes it possible to then live as your children so that all may find their home in you and feast at your heavenly table of plenty.

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Prayer for Business Leaders

2011-10-21T14:30:00.003-04:00

Lord God, today we pray together for corporate leaders. May ethical business entities, whether small or large, thrive and prosper so that they may make a positive difference in the world and provide valuable work opportunities. We pray that those in authority will develop policies to protect the human rights of both employees and those in their sphere of influence. We pray that they will begin, or continue, to seek ways for their companies to be good stewards of Your creation. Amen

Thursday Prayer

2011-10-20T07:00:00.003-04:00

Grant me, Lord, to spread true love in the world.

Grant that by me and by your children it may penetrate a little into all circles, all societies, all economic and political systems, all laws, all contracts, all rulings;

Grant that it may penetrate into offices, factories, apartment buildings, movie houses, dance halls;

Grant that it may penetrate the hearts of men and that I may never forget that the battle for a better world is a battle of love, in the service of love.

Help me to love, Lord,

not to waste my powers of love,

to love myself less and less in order to love others more and more,

That around me, no one should suffer or die because I have stolen the love they needed to live.

Quoist, Michel. Prayers. Kansas City: Sheed and Ward, 1963. 103.

Wednesday Prayer

2011-10-19T07:52:00.000-04:00

Oh Holy One...
A big sigh here,
Drawing in a great big breath...
And exhaling slowly.

It's a new day,
For some,
Fraught with worry.
For some,
Laced with delight.

We hold the tension.

We call upon you,
To calm our hearts,
To open our hearts,
To hold our hearts,
And to help us offer our hearts to this day.
Amen.

a centering breathing prayer.

2011-10-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

This is a breathing meditation I learned last week that has been something I have returned to each day since.
This is all you do:
Breath in for a count of four.
1-2-3-4
Hold your breath for a count of 7
1-2-3-4-5-6-7
Exhale for a count of 8
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8

Repeat at least five times.

There, don't you feel more present?

Amen, amen....thank you creating breath Spirit of God.

prayer for Proper 24A/O 29A/P +18

2011-10-16T08:05:00.000-04:00

Dear God,
Long ago the Pharisees and Herodians asked your son to ask is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor or not? One of the major causes for the American revolution was "No taxation without representation". Now, God, we live in a time where the question is how much taxes is enough or too much? God, we pray for wisdom as they decide these questions about taxation, budget, and funding the needs of our country. Help us to remember also, the answer that your son gave was; to give to the Emperor what was the emperor’s and to God what was God’s. Sometimes we seem to forget the part about giving to God what is God’s. Forgive us God and help us to remember to give to you what is yours.. Help us to also remember that you then take what is given back to you and generously use it to spread your good news here and around the world. You make possible what seems to be the impossible. You bring healing and restoration to what seemed like total devastation. You bring peace and justice to where there was once only wars and injustice. You bring salvation and wholeness to the lost and broken hearted. And we thank you for what you have done, what you are doing and what you will do; by giving to you what is yours. And we pray for all people here and everywhere that need you in their lives. And we pray for those here and everywhere who live in poverty, hunger and starvation. And we pray for those here and everywhere who are ill, in pain, and suffering, And we pray for those here and everywhere who are looking for work, trying to maintain their homes and family. We pray for children, youth, and adults here and everywhere. We pray for our churches, church leaders, and church workers here and everywhere. We thank you for hearing our prayers. We thank you for the transformation that you are making in our lives. We thank you for the deliverance of all in this world. Amen.

Thursday Prayer

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Ferocious God, we fear your peace. We say we want peace, but we confess that war and violence capture our imagination and our spirits. Violate our violence with the transforming power of your love. Wrench us from all hatreds and loves that are the breeding ground of our violence. We cannot will that your peace come, but through the Spirit you make it possible for us to live in your peace. So fire us with that Spirit that the world might be flooded with your reconciling kingdom. Amen.

Hauerwas, Stanley. Prayers Plainly Spoken. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999. 80.

Flesh and Blood

2011-10-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

This song feels like a prayer to me. Although for me, nature is also flesh and blood.
Enjoy.

Flesh and Blood

Johnny Cash

Beside a Singin' Mountain Stream

Where the Willow grew

Where the Silver Leaf of Maple

Sparkled in the Mornin' Dew

I braided Twigs of Willows

Made a String of Buckeye Beads;

But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need

Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need.

I leaned against a Bark of Birch

And I breathed the Honey Dew

I saw a North-bound Flock of Geese

Against a Sky of Baby Blue

Beside the Lily Pads

I carved a Whistle from a Reed;

Mother Nature's quite a Lady

But you're the one I need

Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need.

A Cardinal sang just for me

And I thanked him for the Song

Then the Sun went slowly down the West

And I had to move along

These were some of the things

On which my Mind and Spirit feed;

But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need

Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need.

[SPOKEN]

So when this Day was ended

I was still not satisfied

For I knew ev'rything I touched

Would wither and would die

And Love is all that will remain

And grow from all these Seed;

[SUNG]

Mother Nature's quite a Lady

But you're the one I need

Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood

And you're the one I need.

a tuesday prayer.

2011-10-11T06:48:00.001-04:00

well, dear God...
here I am.
and my prayer for today is that I might be more patient.
that I might have more grace.
that I might have wide open eyes with which to see Your world.
I pray...
for this thing I serve called Church.
I pray
that your Heart might be my heart,
and that
I could be a humble servant
that could help inspire and ignite...
Joy in community,
Passion for sharing your Love.
Amen, amen, Amen!

Prayer for Proper 23A/Ordinary 28A/Pentecost +17

2011-10-08T23:14:00.000-04:00

Holy One,
We are grateful for your daily presence in our lives.
Lord, we thank you for your love that lasts forever.
Remember us O God when you consider all your people.
Bring us all into your arms of salvation.
Lord, we are all in our own exile away from you.
We have chosen to sin against you and your children.
Forgive us, save us, bring us back to you

Hear o Lord, the prayers we bring to you.
We pray for our church, our church leaders and for churches everywhere.
We pray for good weather, good crops and good harvest all over.
We pray for the well being of each of our own communities and for the citizens who live in it.
We pray for wellness for our families, companions, and all those we love.
We pray for all those in need: the sick and the suffering, prisoners, captives, and their families, the hungry, homeless, and oppressed.

Help us to rejoice in you God even we don’t feel like doing it.
Help us to not be so anxious about things instead help us to talk to your about our needs and requests.
Help us to know that peace that only comes from you when we are feeling worried.
Help us to keep our focus on you in our lives, no matter what.
Help us to learn the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Help us to remember that we can do all things through you who gives us strength.

Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Amen.

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Thursday Prayer

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

May our bodies be strong,
may our tongues be sweet,
may our ears always hear the sound of your voice,
O Lord of Love.

Consiglio, Cyprian. Prayer in the Cave of the Heart: The Universal Call to Contemplation. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2010. 52.

Wednesday Prayer: Laugh with God

2011-10-05T07:00:00.002-04:00

Two Giant Fat People

God

and I have become

like two giant fat people living

in a tiny

boat.

keep

bumping into

each other

and

-Hafiz

Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West

Daniel Ladinsky

Tuesday Prayer: May you make music today....

2011-10-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Christ's Breath

I am

a hole in a flute

that the Christ's breath moves through--

listen to this music.

-Hafiz

Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West

by Daniel Ladinsky

Prayer for World Communion Sunday

2011-10-02T07:05:00.000-04:00

GOD,
Here we are linking hearts and hands with our brothers and sisters all around the world as we celebrate world communion.
The meal we have shared in reminds us that there are those who live in a time famine where there is little to nothing to eat. We pray for these people; that by the sharing of our resources and by the work of your hand that one day there would be plenty to eat for all.
The cup we drank from reminds us that in some place there is not good clean water to drink freely from. We pray that by the work of those who are bringing tools to make that happen and by the work of your hand that one day all can drink from clear waters.
By linking hands and hearts we know there is unrest and wars across this land that effect so many lives. We pray that by the work for peace and by the work of your son, the prince of peace that one day your peace will rule in the lives of all.
By linking our hearts we are made aware that many suffer from pain, illness, diseases, un known suffering and death. We pray that by the work of the medical providers, caregivers, healers, and by your hand of healing that one day they would be healed.
We pray that this meal that has brought us closer to you, the meal that is a means of grace, fills our hearts and souls that we live our lives fully for you in what we say and what we do.
We thank you for this shared meal and for all the many ways you feed us throughout our lives with your love and mercy.
Amen.

Saturday: a place at the table

2011-10-01T08:01:00.000-04:00

For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star over head.

And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace;
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice, and joy.

(A Place At The Table by Shirley Erena Murray)

A Prayer of Trust

2011-09-30T01:14:00.002-04:00

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does, in fact, please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton

Wednesday Prayer: Hallowed

2011-09-28T07:30:00.001-04:00

Tuesday Prayer....

2011-09-27T08:53:00.000-04:00

God of the poor
by Janet Morley

God of the poor;
we long to met you
yet almost miss you;
we strive to help you
yet only discover our need.
Interrupt our comfort
with your nakedness,
touch our possessiveness
with your poverty,
and surprise our guilt
with the grace of your welcome
in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sunday Prayer: Proper 21A, Pentcost 15, 26A

2011-09-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

God our Mother
birthing new life
through chaos

God our Father
building hope from
the dark night

God our Sister
comfort us in
times of sorrow

God our Brother
guide us through the
storms, calm water

God of the Night
brighten our dark
days, warm light

God of the Day
show us the way,
love as you

God, mystery
One in Three and
Three in One

Parent, child, friend
Comforter, Grace
Spirit, Love

Lover, One, All
Infinite One
Compassion

Sun, Moon, and Stars
Earth, Wind, and Fire
Water, Life.

In Your Image
Abide in us
We in You

In your Image
In Your image
Mystery.
Amen.

Saturday: take a moment to hear...

2011-09-24T12:17:00.000-04:00

There is hardly ever a complete silence in our souls. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God... God is always whispering to us, only that we do not always hear, because of the hurry, noise, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on.
- Frederick William Faber (1814-1863)

Creation Calls

2011-09-23T01:02:00.001-04:00

This has been a difficult week, full of doubt, disappointment, and an uncomfortable amount of unbelief. Yesterday I found myself sitting at the computer wondering what to search for that would help lift my spirits. I didn't search for anything, but I did look at my email, which contained a messge with this scripture and a link to this video. It is a bit over six minutes long, so consider saving it till you have some time to savor it--and it is my prayer that you will be encouraged to pray, "I believe" as I was.

Psalm 148
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
Praise God in the heights!
Praise God, all His angels;
Praise God, heavenly hosts!

Praise God, sun and moon;
Praise God, all you stars of light!
Praise God, you heavens of heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For God commanded and they were created,
established forever and ever;
A decree was made which shall not pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling God's word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;

Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
Whose name alone is exalted;
Whose glory is above the earth and heaven...

Praise the LORD!

Thursday Prayer

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Grow us slowly, persistently, and deeply, Lord
to be people who watch without distraction
listen without interruption
and stay put without inclination to flee.
Amen.

~Abba Anthony
(Anthony the Great, c. 251-356)

Wednesday Prayer

2011-09-21T06:02:00.001-04:00

Sweetness is hidden in the Breath
that fills the reed.
Be like Mary--by that sweet breath
a child grew within her.

-Rumi, in The Rumi Collection, edited by Kabir Helminski

Tuesday Prayer....

2011-09-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

Your awe and love are the rope to catch My gift:
beneath every "O Lord" of yours is many a "Here am I"
from Me.

-Rumi, from The Rumi Collection, edited by Kabir Helminski

Sunday Prayer: Proper 20A, Pentecost 14, OT 25A

2011-09-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

Holy and Gracious God, we give you thanks for
family, friends, life, love - for
All the blessings (name blessings and thanksgivings)
you have bestowed upon us.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer, turn our whining into grace.

God of our Mothers and Fathers, your desire for
us leads the way, may we have
the ears to hear the cries of this world -
responding with Your hope.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer, turn our whining into grace.

Compassionate One, fill us with your love that we
may see deeply into all the needs
around us, (name the hurts, needs, and hope you are carrying)
help us to care with Your heart.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer, turn our whining into grace.

May Your love, Your grace, Your compassion,
Your mercy, carry us away, this day
and lead us with love
to be Your hands and heart in the world.
Amen.

For Those Missing Someone Who Has Died

2011-09-16T17:02:00.001-04:00

Lift us up, Strong Son of God,
that we may see further;

Cleanse our eyes
that we may see more clearly.

Draw us closer to yourself,
that we may know ourselves closer to our beloved,
who are witb You.

And while You prepare a place for us,
prepare us for that place,
That where they are,
And You are, we, too, may be,

Through Your love for us, Lord,
Amen.

Thursday Prayer

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us, remember the fruits we have bought, because of this suffering - our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of all of this, and when they come to judgement, let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.”

-- The prayer of an unknown woman, found on a piece of wrapping paper in Ravensbruck concentration camp; taken from Monica Furlong's book, Women Pray.

A Story

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

There once was an old Jewish man. All he ever did in his spare time was go to the edge of the village and plant fig trees. People would ask him, "Why are you planting fig trees? You are going to die before you can eat any of the fruit that they produce." But he said, "I have spent so many happy hours sitting under fig trees and eating their fruit. Those trees were planted by others. Why shouldn't I make sure that others will know the enjoyment that I have had?"
--Megan McKenna
in Parables

Tuesday Prayer ala Mary Oliver

2011-09-12T22:37:00.000-04:00

Today is a day of
dark clouds and slow rain.
The little blades of corn
are so happy.

Sunday Prayer: Proper 19A, Pentecost 13. OT 24A

2011-09-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

The Litany of Reconciliation, adapted

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,
Gracious, God, Forgive.

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own, 
Gracious, God, Forgive.

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,
Gracious, God, Forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others, 
Gracious, God, Forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee, 
Gracious, God, Forgive.

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children, 
Gracious, God, Forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,
Gracious, God, Forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Coventry Cathedral